Getting Around Ecuador: Transport, Shuttles, and Practical Travel Tips

Ecuador is compact, diverse, and surprisingly well connected. In a single trip, travellers can move between high-altitude Andean cities, Pacific coastlines, the Amazon rainforest (la selva), and the extraordinary Las Islas Galápagos.

This guide explains how transport works in Ecuador — buses, shuttles, taxis, private drivers, airport transfers, and cross-border travel — with realistic travel times, costs, and context for both the mainland and the Galápagos.

Transport Options in Ecuador

Buses in Ecuador

Buses connect almost every town and city.

• Frequent services on major routes

• Options range from basic to modern long-distance coaches

• All large cities have a terminal terrestre

Typical cost:
USD $1–2 per hour of travel

Buses are a practical way to travel between Quito, Guayaquil, Cuenca, Baños, and Otavalo, especially during the day.

Shuttles

Shared shuttles operate on popular traveller routes.

• Common between tourist centres

• Often offer hotel pickup and drop-off

• Useful for routes with limited direct buses

Cost:
USD $20–60 depending on distance

Shuttles are widely used for airport transfers, intercity travel, and routes involving border crossings.

Private Drivers & Taxis

Private drivers are easy to arrange in most regions.

• Flexible schedules and direct routes

• Popular for day trips and rural areas

• Available in Quito, Guayaquil, Cuenca, and tourist hubs

Typical cost:
USD $60–120 per day, or per route

Taxis are inexpensive in cities and usually the simplest option for short trips.

Domestic Flights

Flights make sense for longer distances.

• Quito ↔ Guayaquil: ~45 minutes

• Quito ↔ Cuenca: ~50 minutes

Flights are reliable and reduce long travel days through mountainous terrain.

Getting Around Ecuador’s Main Cities

Quito

• Taxis and airport transfers are widely used

• Metro and city buses cover much of the city

• Historic centre is compact and walkable

Quito Airport → Old Town:
45–60 minutes | USD $25–35

Guayaquil

• Large city with spread-out neighbourhoods

• Taxis preferred for visitors

• Primary departure point for Galápagos flights

Cuenca

• Walkable historic centre

• Affordable taxis

• Popular base for longer stays

Popular Routes: Travel Times & Costs

Quito → Otavalo

• Bus: 2–2.5 hours | USD $3–5

• Private driver: ~2 hours | USD $60–80

Quito → Baños

• Bus: 3.5–4 hours | USD $6–8

• Shuttle: ~3.5 hours | USD $20–30

Quito → Cuenca

• Bus: 8–9 hours | USD $25–35

• Flight: ~50 minutes | USD $60–120

Guayaquil → Cuenca

• Bus: 4–5 hours | USD $10–15

• Flight: ~45 minutes

Reaching the Amazon (La Selva)

Access to Ecuador’s Amazon typically begins in the Andes.

• Quito → Tena

  • Bus: ~5 hours | USD $10–15

  • Private driver: ~4 hours

Road conditions are generally good, though weather can affect travel times.

Cross-Border Transport

Ecuador → Colombia (via Rumichaca)

• Common route: Quito → Popayán

• Bus and shuttle services operate daily

• Total travel time: ~12–14 hours

Border formalities are handled on foot between terminals on each side.

Ecuador → Peru

• Main crossing: Huaquillas–Tumbes

• Regular buses, shuttles, and taxis

• Straightforward onward connections within Peru

Reaching the Galápagos Islands

The Galápagos Islands are reached by air from mainland Ecuador.

• Flights depart from Quito or Guayaquil

• Arrival airports: Baltra or San Cristóbal

• Flight time: ~2 hours

Approximate cost:
USD $200–450 return (tourist fares)

Visitors also pay:

• Galápagos Transit Control Card

• National Park entry fee (paid on arrival)

Getting Around the Galápagos Islands

Travel between islands is by boat.

Inter-Island Transport

• Speedboats connect:

  • Santa Cruz

  • San Cristóbal

  • Isabela

• Travel time: 2–2.5 hours

• Cost: ~USD $30–35 per leg

On the Islands

• Walking and cycling

• Licensed taxis (mainly pickup trucks)

• Local buses on Santa Cruz

Transport is limited by design to protect the environment.

Why Visit the Galápagos?

• Endemic wildlife found nowhere else

• Snorkelling with sea lions, turtles, and rays

• Volcanic landscapes and pristine waters

• Carefully managed tourism focused on conservation

It’s one of the most distinctive travel experiences in the world.

Top Places to Visit in Ecuador

• Quito – historic centre, museums, food

• Cuenca – colonial architecture, relaxed pace

• Baños – waterfalls, adventure, hot springs

• Otavalo – markets and Andean culture

• La Selva Amazónica – rainforest lodges and biodiversity

• Las Islas Galápagos – wildlife and nature

With a combination of buses, shuttles, private drivers, taxis, flights, and boats, Ecuador offers practical ways to travel between cities, borders, rainforest, and islands.

Distances are short, routes are established, and planning a few key legs in advance makes the journey smooth and flexible.

N.B. Prices shown are indicative and reflect typical costs in Ecuador as at February 2026.